Central Michigan University Athletics
Saturday, September 21
Miami Gardens, Fla.
4 p.m.
Central Michigan University
at
Miami (Fla.)
Photo by: Allissa Rusco
Chippewas Miami-Bound
9/20/2019 11:28:00 AM | Football
Power 5 Hurricanes await CMU
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Another big test awaits the Central Michigan football team on Saturday as it once again hits the road and steps onto the big stage against a Power 5 opponent.
The Chippewas (2-1) will take on Miami (Fla.) (1-2) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
CMU is coming off a 45-24 victory over Akron in its Mid-American Conference opener. The Chippewas performed well on both sides of the ball against the Zips, and their offensive showing was of particular note considering that backups started at both quarterback (David Moore) and running back (Kobe Lewis).
"It was nice to get (the win), and again I'm happy for these players," first-year coach Jim McElwain said. "I think it was important that you really learn from a win as you do from a loss. How did that win occur? It's because of what you did in your preparation.
"So I thought we made some steps that way as a program and we've got to continue to look forward … continue to get a little bit better and that's what we are striving for. We've got our work cut out for us."
Miami is unranked and won its first game last week, 63-0, over Bethune-Cookman after close losses to Florida and to North Carolina. The Hurricanes carry a championship pedigree and annually feature a roster of future NFLers.
In short, the Hurricanes could be every bit as formidable as CMU's last Power 5 opponent, Wisconsin.
"I think every time you get a chance to go out and compete," McElwain said, "in whatever it is, doesn't matter if its football or on a test, at work, whatever it is, every opportunity you have to go out and play … I think it should be exciting.
"The opportunity to go play in a pro stadium for these guys is something I think is pretty cool and you know what look forward to it, embrace the moment, that's the biggest message. It's really a simple message: Be proud of what you put on the film, be proud of it. Because you put the effort into it you put the time to learn what to do and how you do it. Biggest piece there is your effort; how you are trying to do it?"
More of Moore
Moore, a junior from Alpharetta, Ga. who is in his first year at CMU after transferring from Dodge City (Kan.) C.C., was solid in his first appearance as a Chippewa. He completed 20 of 31 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns and was not intercepted.
He will start again against Miami as starter Quinten Dormady continues to work back from an injury he sustained at Wisconsin.
"I was happy with (Moore's) performance last week," McElwain said. "I liked the way he just kind of handled the team in general. He didn't get too up or too down, he stayed pretty even keeled. He missed some throws that I know he'll want back, but for him it's just another opportunity to go out and play."
Lewis's turn
Lewis, a sophomore from Americus, Ga. will draw his second-consecutive start on Saturday in place of Jonathan Ward, who is injured.
Against Akron, Lewis exploded for 146 rushing yards, caught three passes for 37 yards, and scored three TDs.
Ward was injured in the Chippewas' loss at Wisconsin, and it was apparent early in the week leading up to the Akron game that Lewis would be the starter.
"When you stay ready, you don't have to get ready," Lewis said. "It wasn't thrown at me; I had a whole week to get my mind right, my mentality, get myself together and be like, 'OK, this is what has to be done for us to win this game."
Lewis's 146-yard effort is the third-highest rushing total for a single game by a Mid-American Conference running back this season. Ward's 158 yards in the Chippewas' season-opening victory over Albany is the second highest.
"Jonathan, he's like a big brother to me," Lewis said. "He lets me know what he sees on the field and I do the same for him. We have talks on and off the field, not just about football so that builds a relationship. It's not just all about football. He's like a mentor, (in) a leadership role. He was there for me the whole time (against Akron), helping me with reads, telling me where I could do better so that we could win the game."
Dee-fense
The Chippewa defense held Akron to 329 total yards, just 47 of which came on the ground. CMU posted seven sacks in the game among 13 tackles-for-loss. The seven sacks tied for the third most in a game by a CMU defense in the past 15 seasons. The 13 tackles-for-loss tied for the fourth most over that same span.
CMU leads the MAC in rushing defense, surrendering an average of 97 yards per game.
Homecoming
CMU has 11 players who hail from the state of Florida on its roster. They are defensive backs Norman Anderson, Montrae Braswell, Brian Edwards, and Demarcus Governor; offensive linemen Vashon Bailey, Cameron Vaughn and Romello Tarver; defensive lineman Jacques Bristol; wide receiver Javon Gantt; fullback Oakley Lavallii; and quarterback Daniel Richardson.
Eight of the 11 are either a true freshman or a redshirt freshman.
Strong Up Front
CMU's offensive line did not surrender a sack against Akron, the first time that has happened since a Oct. 14, 2017 (vs. Toledo). The Chippewas have allowed just three sacks this season, the second-best mark in the MAC and the 22nd-best nationally.
The Chippewas have started the same five players along the offensive line in all three of their games: tackles Clayton Walderzak and Luke Goedeke, guards Oge Udeogu and Derek Smith, and center Steve Eipper.
Walderzak is a graduate student and Eipper and Odeogu are seniors. Smith is a junior and Goedeke is a sophomore.
"We've been getting a lot of guys reps in there as well behind them so I think as we build for the future it's one of those things where we have got guys that are getting game experience (and) they are learning how to communicate with each other," McElwain said. "I think they're learning the accountability about doing your job and helping the guy next to you do his job based on how you communicate.
"We put a lot of pressure on that unit, and continue to do that. I like those guys up there."
Scouting
The Hurricanes, who started 0-2 for the first time since 1978, are in their first year under Manny Diaz, who was their defensive coordinator before taking over for Mark Richt, who retired after the 2018 season.
The quarterback is redshirt freshman Jerren Williams, who has completed 73.1 percent of his pass attempts with six TDs and no interceptions. Running back DeeJay Dallas has run for 309 yards and four TDs this season and is averaging 8.4 yards per carry.
The Hurricanes average 459.7 yards per game on offense and are ranked fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference in total offense. They have held their three opponents to an average of 276.7 yards per game and rank fourth in total defense.
Miami is No. 1 in the ACC and eighth nationally against the run, surrendering an average of 69.3 yards.
Former CMU coach Dan Enos is in his first year as Miami's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Enos led the Chippewas from 2010-14.
Back to the MAC
The Chippewas return to the MAC next weekend when they go to rival Western Michigan. Kickoff time is set for noon.
The Broncos (2-1) are coming off a 57-10 win over Georgia State and are scheduled to play at Syracuse on Saturday (noon).
The Chippewas (2-1) will take on Miami (Fla.) (1-2) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
CMU is coming off a 45-24 victory over Akron in its Mid-American Conference opener. The Chippewas performed well on both sides of the ball against the Zips, and their offensive showing was of particular note considering that backups started at both quarterback (David Moore) and running back (Kobe Lewis).
"It was nice to get (the win), and again I'm happy for these players," first-year coach Jim McElwain said. "I think it was important that you really learn from a win as you do from a loss. How did that win occur? It's because of what you did in your preparation.
"So I thought we made some steps that way as a program and we've got to continue to look forward … continue to get a little bit better and that's what we are striving for. We've got our work cut out for us."
Miami is unranked and won its first game last week, 63-0, over Bethune-Cookman after close losses to Florida and to North Carolina. The Hurricanes carry a championship pedigree and annually feature a roster of future NFLers.
In short, the Hurricanes could be every bit as formidable as CMU's last Power 5 opponent, Wisconsin.
"I think every time you get a chance to go out and compete," McElwain said, "in whatever it is, doesn't matter if its football or on a test, at work, whatever it is, every opportunity you have to go out and play … I think it should be exciting.
"The opportunity to go play in a pro stadium for these guys is something I think is pretty cool and you know what look forward to it, embrace the moment, that's the biggest message. It's really a simple message: Be proud of what you put on the film, be proud of it. Because you put the effort into it you put the time to learn what to do and how you do it. Biggest piece there is your effort; how you are trying to do it?"
More of Moore
Moore, a junior from Alpharetta, Ga. who is in his first year at CMU after transferring from Dodge City (Kan.) C.C., was solid in his first appearance as a Chippewa. He completed 20 of 31 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns and was not intercepted.
He will start again against Miami as starter Quinten Dormady continues to work back from an injury he sustained at Wisconsin.
"I was happy with (Moore's) performance last week," McElwain said. "I liked the way he just kind of handled the team in general. He didn't get too up or too down, he stayed pretty even keeled. He missed some throws that I know he'll want back, but for him it's just another opportunity to go out and play."
Lewis's turn
Lewis, a sophomore from Americus, Ga. will draw his second-consecutive start on Saturday in place of Jonathan Ward, who is injured.
Against Akron, Lewis exploded for 146 rushing yards, caught three passes for 37 yards, and scored three TDs.
Ward was injured in the Chippewas' loss at Wisconsin, and it was apparent early in the week leading up to the Akron game that Lewis would be the starter.
"When you stay ready, you don't have to get ready," Lewis said. "It wasn't thrown at me; I had a whole week to get my mind right, my mentality, get myself together and be like, 'OK, this is what has to be done for us to win this game."
Lewis's 146-yard effort is the third-highest rushing total for a single game by a Mid-American Conference running back this season. Ward's 158 yards in the Chippewas' season-opening victory over Albany is the second highest.
"Jonathan, he's like a big brother to me," Lewis said. "He lets me know what he sees on the field and I do the same for him. We have talks on and off the field, not just about football so that builds a relationship. It's not just all about football. He's like a mentor, (in) a leadership role. He was there for me the whole time (against Akron), helping me with reads, telling me where I could do better so that we could win the game."
Dee-fense
The Chippewa defense held Akron to 329 total yards, just 47 of which came on the ground. CMU posted seven sacks in the game among 13 tackles-for-loss. The seven sacks tied for the third most in a game by a CMU defense in the past 15 seasons. The 13 tackles-for-loss tied for the fourth most over that same span.
CMU leads the MAC in rushing defense, surrendering an average of 97 yards per game.
Homecoming
CMU has 11 players who hail from the state of Florida on its roster. They are defensive backs Norman Anderson, Montrae Braswell, Brian Edwards, and Demarcus Governor; offensive linemen Vashon Bailey, Cameron Vaughn and Romello Tarver; defensive lineman Jacques Bristol; wide receiver Javon Gantt; fullback Oakley Lavallii; and quarterback Daniel Richardson.
Eight of the 11 are either a true freshman or a redshirt freshman.
Strong Up Front
CMU's offensive line did not surrender a sack against Akron, the first time that has happened since a Oct. 14, 2017 (vs. Toledo). The Chippewas have allowed just three sacks this season, the second-best mark in the MAC and the 22nd-best nationally.
The Chippewas have started the same five players along the offensive line in all three of their games: tackles Clayton Walderzak and Luke Goedeke, guards Oge Udeogu and Derek Smith, and center Steve Eipper.
Walderzak is a graduate student and Eipper and Odeogu are seniors. Smith is a junior and Goedeke is a sophomore.
"We've been getting a lot of guys reps in there as well behind them so I think as we build for the future it's one of those things where we have got guys that are getting game experience (and) they are learning how to communicate with each other," McElwain said. "I think they're learning the accountability about doing your job and helping the guy next to you do his job based on how you communicate.
"We put a lot of pressure on that unit, and continue to do that. I like those guys up there."
Scouting
The Hurricanes, who started 0-2 for the first time since 1978, are in their first year under Manny Diaz, who was their defensive coordinator before taking over for Mark Richt, who retired after the 2018 season.
The quarterback is redshirt freshman Jerren Williams, who has completed 73.1 percent of his pass attempts with six TDs and no interceptions. Running back DeeJay Dallas has run for 309 yards and four TDs this season and is averaging 8.4 yards per carry.
The Hurricanes average 459.7 yards per game on offense and are ranked fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference in total offense. They have held their three opponents to an average of 276.7 yards per game and rank fourth in total defense.
Miami is No. 1 in the ACC and eighth nationally against the run, surrendering an average of 69.3 yards.
Former CMU coach Dan Enos is in his first year as Miami's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Enos led the Chippewas from 2010-14.
Back to the MAC
The Chippewas return to the MAC next weekend when they go to rival Western Michigan. Kickoff time is set for noon.
The Broncos (2-1) are coming off a 57-10 win over Georgia State and are scheduled to play at Syracuse on Saturday (noon).
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